Accumulation of total trace metals due to rapid urbanization in microtidal zone of Pallikaranai marsh, South of Chennai, India

Abstract

The article presents the results for enrichment of total trace metals (TTMs) from Pallikaranai salt marsh in South Chennai, a metropolis on the southeast coast of India. TTMs Fe, Mn, Cr, Cu, Ni, Co, Pb, Zn, Cd, Sr, V, and Hg along with sediment texture, OC, and CaCO3 were analyzed in 36 surface sediments collected during August 2008 to recognize and observe the input of TTMs in the marsh from various sources in the city limits. In view of the rapid urbanization and industrialization in Chennai City, especially on the southern side, uncontrolled input of sewage, garbage, and industrial effluents into the Pallikaranai marsh land, the elevated concentrations are not surprising. The level of enrichment of TTMs has also increased by 20% to 60% for most of the elements when compared with all other ecosystems in the world as well as the nearby area. The results also indicate that the marshy region is more heavily contaminated with Cd, Hg, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn than other regions on the southeast coast of India. The Enrichment Factor, Contamination Factor, and I (geo) indexes are calculated, and these values are useful to assess the degree of pollution in sediments. The spatial distributions of TTMs are also controlled by other factors like geochemical, precipitation, and flocculation of particulate substances in the marsh. The results of the present study suggest the need for a regular monitoring and management program which will help to improve the quality of Pallikaranai pristine marsh land.

Heavy metal concentration in groundwater from Besant Nagar to Sathankuppam, South Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India

“…2 Geology map of study area study area which is the home for many species such as fishes, frogs, reptiles and many birds. 60% of garbage in Chennai city is dumped in this marshland (Jayaprakash et al 2010). …”

“…As a consequence, the research on quality and quantity of groundwater is in alarming stage. In Chennai, several researchers (Elango and Manickam 1987;Jayaprakash et al 2010;Giridharan et al 2008) and organizations like Central Ground Water Board, and Tamil Nadu Water Supply and Drainage Board are carrying out various research works using different techniques on groundwater and its aquifer by analyzing the groundwater samples and made suggestions to develop the groundwater condition of the area. When concerned about quality, even though major elements give quality index for drinking water, in particular, heavy metal concentrations are also noticed and reported because of its toxic nature.…”

Distribution of Heavy Metals in Sediments at the Commercial and Fishing Ports in Samoa

“…Anthropogenic impacts geogenic processes deteriorate sediment and water quality. Therefore, studies on the determination of the degree of anthropogenic impact on river sediment have been especially relevant over the last decades [4]- [9]. Many approaches have been applied in order to assess the severity of sediment contamination and to understand the natural and anthropogenic inputs in the river system.…”

Preliminary assessment of cadmium mobility in surface sediments of a tropical estuary

“…Heavy metals are introduced into the environment through natural phenomena and human activities such as agriculture, transport, industrial processes and waste disposal [6][7][8][9][10][11]. Estuarine and coastal sediments are generally considered a sink for metals.…”